PERKIM Unites Converts of Diverse Backgrounds in Vibrant Maal Hijrah 1448H Celebration
ᵇʸ: ᴹᴼᴴᴰ. ˢʸᴬᴴᴿᴵᴸ ᴿᴼˢᴰᴵ ᴬᴴᴹᴬᴰ ᶻᴬᴴᵁᴰᴵ
KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 17, 2026 – The spirit of hijrah, unity and multiculturalism was on full display during the Maal Hijrah 1448H Celebration with Muslim Converts organised by the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (PERKIM) National, in collaboration with the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) and Surau Jumaat PERKIM, at the PERKIM Building along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah here today.
The event brought together more than 200 participants from five Maal Hijrah parade contingents, who gathered as early as 7am before embarking on a spirited procession around the vicinity of the PERKIM Building. Participants carried banners, donned coordinated attire and marched to the accompaniment of selawat recitations and the traditional Islamic hymn Thola’al Badru ‘Alaina.
The parade route covered Jalan Rahmat and several nearby landmarks, including Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Bank Rakyat and Pusrawi Hospital. It saw the participation of PERKIM members and Muslim converts from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadazan, Murut and Punjabi communities, as well as participants from the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia and several other countries.
Programme coordinator, Ustaz Muhammad Jais Mariappan Abdullah said the celebration marked the first time such an event had been organised specifically at the national PERKIM level with active participation from Muslim converts, religious guidance class students and tadarus groups.
“Alhamdulillah, the programme received tremendous cooperation from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), which helped ensure smooth traffic control and the successful execution of the parade.
“In previous years, we participated in celebrations organised elsewhere. However, this year, following suggestions from PERKIM’s dakwah officers, we successfully organised our own Maal Hijrah procession involving the Muslim convert community and participants of our religious guidance classes,” he said.
Jais, who also serves as PERKIM National Dakwah Executive 1, said the programme’s success was the result of nearly two weeks of meticulous planning involving MAIWP, Surau Jumaat PERKIM, organising committees and participants.
He expressed appreciation to all parties involved for their dedication and commitment.
“Without the commitment of the participants and organising committee members, this programme would not have been possible. May all their efforts be rewarded with blessings from Allah SWT,” he added.
He noted that the enthusiasm displayed by participants throughout the procession was particularly inspiring, with several senior citizens and wheelchair users completing the route despite physical challenges.
Although the distance covered was less than one kilometre, he said it symbolically reflected the sacrifices and journey undertaken by Prophet Muhammad SAW in spreading the message of Islam.
Following the procession, participants gathered at Dataran Dakwah, PERKIM Building, for the Maal Hijrah 1448H Forum themed “Hijrah Throughout Life: The Challenges and Sweetness of Becoming a Muslim.”
Moderated by PERKIM National Dakwah Executive Ustaz Muhammad Farhan Tee Abdullah, the forum featured independent preacher Ustaz Sabri Abd Rani and celebrity convert Ardini Angeline Tan as panellists.
During the session, Sabri explained that hijrah extends beyond outward changes such as appearance or identity. Instead, he described it as a lifelong process of inner transformation aimed at strengthening faith, improving character and drawing closer to Allah SWT.
He emphasised that every Muslim must continuously engage in self-reflection and spiritual purification, as a righteous heart naturally produces virtuous speech and actions.
According to him, life’s trials and hardships should not be viewed as signs of divine abandonment, but rather as manifestations of Allah’s love intended to guide believers towards greater dependence on Him.
“True hijrah is a continuous journey towards becoming a better person than we were yesterday. It is not solely the responsibility of converts, but an obligation for every Muslim throughout life,” he said.
Sabri also highlighted the importance of exemplary character in dakwah, noting that good conduct often speaks louder than words.
He said qualities such as generosity, trustworthiness, compassion and helpfulness could open hearts and bring people closer to understanding Islam.
Meanwhile, Angeline Tan shared her personal journey of embracing Islam in 2023, describing it as the most meaningful turning point in her life.
She said Islam provided answers to many questions she had pondered since childhood regarding the purpose of life and human existence.
“When I came to understand that Allah SWT is the One and Only God and the Creator of all creation, I experienced an indescribable sense of peace.
“Prayer has become the most special moment for me because it is a time when I can connect directly with Allah SWT and express my gratitude, joy and even sorrow,” she said.
She also expressed gratitude to the Muslim community, particularly PERKIM, for continuously supporting and guiding converts through religious classes, mosque activities and personal development programmes.
According to her, community support plays a crucial role in helping converts remain steadfast in practising and deepening their understanding of Islam.
The event was officially officiated by PERKIM Deputy President, Datuk Haji Mohd Nakhaie Haji Ahmad.
In his keynote address, Nakhaie stressed that the diversity of races and backgrounds among humanity is part of Allah’s divine plan, enabling people to know one another, foster mutual understanding and uphold justice.
Referring to Surah Al-Hujurat verse 13, he explained that the concept of ta’aruf goes beyond superficial acquaintance and requires understanding others with fairness and wisdom.
“The most honoured people in the sight of Allah SWT are those who are most God-conscious. Justice is not reserved only for Muslims; it is the right of every human being regardless of race or religion.
“In our efforts of dakwah, wisdom is essential. Islam must be conveyed through compassion, wisdom and noble character. The beauty of Islam cannot be monopolised by Muslims alone but should be shared with society as a whole,” he said.
He further reminded participants that exemplary character remains one of the most effective means of attracting people to Islam, as demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad SAW.
Earlier, MAIWP Human Development Division Assistant Director Umie Zaitun Junoh said the theme “Hijrah Throughout Life” was highly relevant because self-improvement is a lifelong endeavour.
She described Muslim converts as examples of courage for making profound changes in their lives in pursuit of truth and faith.
“Hijrah is not merely a physical migration. It is a transformation of the heart, mindset and actions towards becoming a better person.
“Despite the challenges of being a Muslim, there is a unique sweetness that comes from inner peace, Allah’s love and the blessings bestowed upon one’s life,” she said.
She also called on the Muslim community to continue guiding, supporting and strengthening bonds of brotherhood with converts to ensure they remain steadfast in practising Islamic teachings.
Also present were PERKIM Deputy President Dr Haji Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah and renowned local filmmaker and comedian Sabri Yunus.
As a gesture of appreciation for the commitment and creativity displayed by participants in the Maal Hijrah procession, prizes were awarded to the best and most creative contingents comprising students of PERKIM National Islamic Studies Classes.
The prizes were presented by Datuk Nakhaie, Dr Ridhuan Tee and Umie Zaitun.
In the Best and Most Creative Contingent category, the Tahsin Class emerged champion and received RM700 in cash. The Tadarus Class of Surau Jumaat PERKIM secured second place with RM500, while the Intermediate Class finished third and received RM300. The Advanced Class and Basic Class placed fourth and fifth respectively, each taking home RM200.
The prize presentation not only boosted participants’ morale but also served as recognition of the dedication shown by Muslim converts in promoting Islamic values and enlivening the Maal Hijrah 1448H celebration.
Thunderous applause and cheers from attendees accompanied each prize presentation, reflecting the strong spirit of brotherhood and solidarity that characterized this year’s celebration.
The Maal Hijrah 1448H celebration successfully brought together Muslim converts from various ethnicities and nationalities, demonstrating that Islam is a faith that unites people through brotherhood, compassion and devotion to Allah SWT.
The programme also underscored the message that hijrah is not merely a historical event commemorated annually, but a lifelong journey towards becoming better individuals, strengthening faith and contributing positively to society and religion.
The Tahsin Class contingent stands ready to participate in the PERKIM Maal Hijrah 1448H procession.
Members of the Surau Jumaat PERKIM Tadarus Group contingent, dressed in matching attire, take part in the PERKIM Maal Hijrah 1448H celebration.
Judges prepare their assessment forms ahead of evaluating the five Maal Hijrah parade contingents.
Ustaz Farhan Tee delivers a briefing to the parade participants before the procession begins.
Members of the organising committee, dressed in black-themed attire with nude-coloured headscarves, prepare to carry out their duties.
Participants from the Intermediate Class contingent make final preparations as they organise their formation.
The Tahsin Class contingent becomes the first group to commence the parade.
The Intermediate Class contingent follows shortly behind.
The Advanced Class contingent marches along Jalan Rahmat while reciting selawat in praise of Prophet Muhammad SAW.
Members of the Basic Class contingent join the Maal Hijrah procession while reciting selawat in honour of Prophet Muhammad SAW.
The Intermediate Class contingent marches enthusiastically while chanting selawat and waving the Malaysian flag.
Members of the Surau Jumaat PERKIM Tadarus Group, dressed in coordinated attire, parade around the PERKIM Building while reciting selawat.
The Basic Class contingent arrives at the PERKIM Building compound after completing the procession along Jalan Rahmat.
Judges and organising committee members on duty during the Maal Hijrah 1448H procession.
Participants from all contingents enthusiastically recite selawat in honour of Prophet Muhammad SAW during the Maal Hijrah 1448H celebration.
Organising committee member Rohaiza Mohd Tan distributes packed bread and bottled water to contingent participants.
Master of ceremonies Nur Syahirah Musa invites the panellists to the Maal Hijrah Forum.
Ustaz Farhan Tee moderates the Maal Hijrah Forum featuring panellists Ustaz Sabri Abd Rani and Ardini Angeline Tan.
As moderator, Ustaz Farhan Tee poses questions on the significance of Maal Hijrah to the panellists.
Ustaz Sabri explains that hijrah is not merely an outward transformation involving attire or identity, but a process of inner change.
According to Ustaz Sabri, true hijrah is a continuous journey towards becoming a better person than one was yesterday.
PERKIM members and Muslim converts listen attentively to the Maal Hijrah Forum presented by the panellists.
Ardini Angeline Tan shares her journey of embracing Islam in 2023, which she describes as the most meaningful turning point in her life.
Angeline Tan expresses her appreciation to the Muslim community, particularly PERKIM, for its continuous support and guidance for Muslim converts.
Sabri Yunus joins PERKIM members in enjoying the lively and engaging discussion presented by the panellists.
The Maal Hijrah 1448H celebration not only brings together Muslim converts but also serves as a powerful reflection of Islam’s role in uniting people through brotherhood.
According to Ustaz Jais Mariappan, the participants’ enthusiasm throughout the procession was inspiring, particularly among senior citizens and wheelchair users.
“Hijrah is not merely a migration from one place to another, but a transformation of the heart, mindset and actions towards becoming a better person,” says Umie Zaitun.
In his officiating address, Datuk Nakhaie says that noble character remains one of the most important factors in attracting people to Islam, as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad SAW.
Datuk Nakhaie stresses that wisdom is essential in dakwah efforts, as Islam should be conveyed through compassion, wisdom and exemplary conduct.
Baitus Salam of the Selangor Zakat Board also sets up an exhibition booth to introduce its services to visitors.
Datuk Nakhaie presents a commemorative token of appreciation to Angeline Tan.
Umie Zaitun presents the fifth-place cash prize of RM200 to the Basic Class contingent.
A representative of the Advanced Class contingent receives the fourth-place prize of RM200.
Dr Ridhuan Tee presents the RM300 third-place prize to representatives of the Intermediate Class contingent.
The Surau Jumaat PERKIM Tadarus Group is crowned runner-up and receives a RM500 cash prize from Dr Ridhuan Tee.
Datuk Nakhaie presents the RM700 championship prize to the Tahsin Class contingent, the overall winner of the PERKIM Maal Hijrah 1448H procession.
PERKIM members, distinguished guests, panelists and Muslim converts pose for a group photograph in conjunction with the Islamic New Year 1448H celebration.
Members of the champion Tahsin Class contingent pose for a commemorative photograph with Datuk Nakhaie following their victory in the PERKIM Maal Hijrah 1448H procession.
